The trust relationship between the United States and Indian tribes will be a factor in most, if not all, transactions involving Indian tribes. The origins of the trust relationship and the standard of care applicable to the federal government as trustee are crucial to understanding how the federal government will act in furtherance of the trust relationship.
The examination of Indian lands is really a study of history, international law and governmental policy. It is perhaps best summarized and traced in its chronological development, primarily in federal statutes. Indian land ownership is complex and unique and has, to a significant degree, its own terminology and terms of art. This summary provides an overview of development of the law affecting Indian Lands.